Exploring Authentic Intimacy

Exploring Authentic Intimacy (online only)
with Allison Morgan and Roshi Robert Althouse
Saturdays, April 20—May 11, 2024 from 1:00–2:30 PM (CST)

Embark on a transformative journey through this four-part course, where we will explore together the profound nature of sacredness and its reflection in authentic, intimate relationships. Unpacking the intricacies of intimacy, we unveil its significance while dispelling prevalent misconceptions.

We will also approach the challenging terrain of inter-personal suffering and chronic disconnection that lead to many of the symptoms of suffering we see in our culture today. Traversing this charged emotional landscape, the course culminates by offering valuable insights for cultivating healthy, mutual relationships that support meaning and joy in our lives.

Teachers:

Robert Althouse’s bio

Allison Morgan:

Allison Morgan, MFA, MA, has been offering the services of her Zen inspired practice, Awake Now, for 35 years. Her work with individuals, couples, and groups offers education, support, and inspiration for deep emotional healing and holistic wellbeing.

In addition to her private practice, Allison’s work on the clinical staffs of trauma and addiction recovery has included the treatment centers of Hazelden, SunCloud, Above and Beyond, Skokie Valley Hospital, Grant Hospital, and New Hope. As a college educator, she has served as an adjunct faculty member of Montay College, Robert Morris College, and DePaul University.

Allison is deeply grateful for the opportunity to practice presence with ZLMC.

    • What is intimacy and why is it important?

    • What does it look like?

      • I–Thou

      • Zen: Sameness/Difference

      • Mindfulness: Integration/Regulation

      • Social Engagement Mode: Polyvagal Theory

      • Needs Awareness

    • What it isn’t

      • Co-dependence

      • Fusing

      • Identity Politics

      • Psuedo Intimacy

    • What Undermines it?

      • Shame/Guilt

      • Lonelinss vs. Being Alone

      • Fear of silence, stillness

    • What Supports it?

      • Mindfulness

      • Personal Integrity/Discipline

      • Lovingkindness

      • Owning the Shadow

    • Chronic Disconnection

    • Disconnecting through Compulsion ad Obsession

    • Owning Disowned Energies

    • Buddha’s Story

    • Polyvagal Theory - Social Engagement System

    • I–Thou

    • Empathic /Deep Listening

    • Eating the Projection

    • Genuine Conversations

    • Vulnerability

    • Ontological Humility

Weekly Yoga - Wednesday Mornings at 9:00 AM

A one hour weekly yoga class. These classes are alignment based, meditative, and mind/body focused. James creates a safe space in which students can deepen their practice and work to connect their emotional and physical energies.

Class are in-person held at Zen Life & Meditation Center, Chicago located at:

46 Lake St.
Oak Park, IL 60302

led by James Kanshin Sullivan

James came to yoga years ago after years of Zen meditation and study. Following teacher training from the Temple of Kriya, he continues his Hatha yoga study with his teacher, Muriel Quinn of Abhaya Yoga. James continues his Zen studies under the deep guidance of Roshi Robert Althouse.

THE PRICES LISTED HERE ARE NOT RECCURING. THEY ARE A ONE TIME CHARGE FOR A SPECIFIC CLASS.

Evening Restorative Yoga
with James Kanshin Sullivan
Thursday, March 28th 6:30–7:30 pm

This is a gentle yoga class centered around mindful breathing, meditation, and gentle poses designed to ease tension in the body and restore the central nervous system to equilibrium.

We are trying this out, to see if this time is good for people. If it is, we may continue this in the future.

Yoga for Meditators
Saturday, (to be announced), 1:00 PM (CST).

Led by Melanie Jessen, DO

These gentle yoga classes are designed to help you have more ease and flexibility for meditation. Everyone is welcome The class is in-person only, held at Zen Center, located at:


46 Lake St.
Oak Park, IL 60302
708-689-1220

Mindfulness for Parents
Monday, April 15th @ 7:30 pm

We are offering this Mindfulness for Parents program on the second Monday of each month at 7:30 pm. This is for parents and caregivers of children of all ages. It is facilitated by Kelly Junmei Good, Kathy Dull and Karleen Manchanda.

Calm

  • Changing the way we relate to parenting stress

  • Learning how to attune to and regulate emotions

  • Shifting from automatic reactions to thoughtful responses

Compassion

  • Developing a kind, non-judgmental acceptance of ourselves and our children

  • Taking care of ourselves so we can care for our families

  • Building our capacity to hold space for the joys and difficulties of life

Connection

  • Nurturing attentive and open-hearted relationships

  • Integrating mindfulness practices into daily family life

  • Finding support through sharing in a mindful community

This event is FREE and online only. Here is the zoom link.

Please register below. Donations are appreciated should you wish to support our mission.

Some photos from our first Sunday Family Morning Zen Day in early December of last year. We plan another Family Moring Zen Day on March 10, 2024.